Reverse lights on a 98 KIA Sportage manual transmission does not come on when put into reverse What would you check?

Sounds as though it could be a few areas to look at, 1. check that it is not the bulbs, (access through rear plastic compartments inside car). 2. check that the fuse for reverse tail lights is not blown (front fuse panel next to accelerator pedal)and 3. try to remove the cover plate or sleeve around gear stick as there is a small switch that activates lights when put into reverse (may have dislogded the wiring). Hope this helps.